The way Harden played was similar to how the Heat used guard Dwyane Wade during the 2006 playoffs, the year the Heat won their first championship. At the time, Wade was effective playing in a pick-and-roll offense.

"Some of the things he does off the dribble, off pick and rolls, it reminds me of Dwyane," Spoelstra said. "His ability to get into small crevices and split the defense."

Harden since being traded from Oklahoma City before the season has been one of the stories of the early season. He is the league's second-leading score at 26.5 points a game, trailing Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks.